Auckland's deputy mayor Desley Simpson says that the message from the police is still to stay away from the Auckland CBD, especially Quay Street and Britomart.
The advice she's received is that "it's not over yet".
The FIFA Women's World Cup is scheduled to have its opening match between New Zealand and Norway tonight.
Simpson says it's bad enough for an armed incident to happen anytime but for it "couldn't happen at a worse time".
Armed police at the scene of the serious incident. credit: RNZ / Ziming Li
Jul 20, 2023 8:52 AM
RNZ Live
The Prime Minister has cancelled his travel to Hamilton and is on his way back to the Beehive.
He will be briefed by officials on the latest information regarding the incident in the Auckland CBD and will provide comment to media following that.
Jul 20, 2023 8:51 AM
RNZ Live
The Kindercare Learning Centre in the Auckland CBD is in lockdown.
Someone at the centre told RNZ they were trying to keep the children safe with lots of armed police outside.
Jul 20, 2023 8:48 AM
RNZ Live
Police have just stopped all pedestrians at the BNZ building on the corner of Queen Street and Shortland Street. An armed officer is now waving all pedestrians back from at least a block away from 1 Queen St.
Jul 20, 2023 8:41 AM
RNZ Live
A staff member at the Hilton Hotel on Princes Wharf says they have been advised to stay inside.
Jul 20, 2023 8:38 AM
RNZ Live
RNZ understands the situation in Auckland involves an active shooter.
The police have confirmed the serious incident in central Auckland is contained to a building in lower Queen Street which is under construction.
RNZ reporters at the scene have heard about eight gunshots at the scene on Quay and Lower Albert street.
Police have asked members of the public to avoid the lower Queen Street area and those already in the area to stay inside.
Jul 20, 2023 8:37 AM
RNZ Live
About 20 police cars around Commercial Bay credit: RNZ / Liu Chen
Jul 20, 2023 8:37 AM
RNZ Live
An RNZ reporter on the scene said the cordon had been extended and there were a significant number of people near the cordon. He could see what looked like stretchers being taken into the area. He believed the building under construction which is at the centre of the unfolding situation was the Deloitte building.
Jul 20, 2023 8:33 AM
RNZ Live
A police officer puts on a protective vest credit: RNZ / Felix Walton
Jul 20, 2023 8:32 AM
RNZ Live
Two unmarked police cars with plain clothes police inside, lights flashing, have just driven fast down Lower Queen Street.
"It's like Manhattan," said one bystander.
Jul 20, 2023 8:30 AM
RNZ Live
Police say the serious incident in Auckland CBD this morning is currently contained to a building in lower Queen Street, which is under construction.
Police are asking all members of the public to avoid the lower Queen Street area and for those in downtown inner-city buildings to remain inside their buildings at this time.
"This is a significant incident with multiple emergency services responding.
"A large Police presence will remain in the area."
Police say they will provide a further update as soon they are in a position to do so.
Jul 20, 2023 8:26 AM
RNZ Live
A witness in downtown Auckland has told RNZ he was told by police that a gunman is inside the Commercial Bay tower. He says he heard two gunshots around 8.20am.
Jul 20, 2023 8:25 AM
RNZ Live
Police cars swarm downtown Auckland near Britomart. credit: RNZ / Felix Walton
Jul 20, 2023 8:22 AM
RNZ Live
Jul 20, 2023 8:21 AM
RNZ Live
A witness on the Fullers Ferry to Waiheke told RNZ he heard a huge number of sirens.
"It was like something out of the Blues Brothers.
"There were police cars everywhere along Quay St and they cordoned it off.
"The police helicopter was hovering over the Deloittes building, just stationary. "
Jul 20, 2023 8:21 AM
RNZ Live
Jul 20, 2023 8:18 AM
RNZ Live
The Fullers Ferry building is in lockdown, with no ferries coming in.
Jul 20, 2023 8:16 AM
RNZ Live
Another RNZ reporter at the scene says they have confirmed that shots have been heard.
Jul 20, 2023 8:14 AM
RNZ Live
An RNZ reporter on the scene in lower Albert Street says police with rifles are blocking the area around the Commercial Bay shopping area and a helicopter is hovering overhead.
Jul 20, 2023 8:09 AM
RNZ Live
An armed police officer in downtown Auckland this morning. credit: RNZ / Ziming Li
Jul 20, 2023 8:06 AM
RNZ Live
Armed police are responding to a 'serious incident' on Auckland's Quay Street this morning. The public have been asked to stay indoors and avoid the area.